First Aid at Work - What to Do in an Emergency - Part 1

Basic first aid skills will keep you and yourFriction causes blisters and many times continuous
co-workers safer on the job.  This articleuse of a tool or another item can cause blistering.
focuses on basic cuts, blisters and burns.  BeKeep the skin unbroken and avoid further contact
sure and take an official first aid class to learnwith the area. If the skin breaks, clean
how to handle these situations.immediately and apply a sterile bandage.
Every workplace has dangers. No matter howBurns
much focus is placed on safety, accidents will stillBurns are painful and need the cool water to
occur. Understanding basic first aid skills can keeplessen the pain, however do not apply water if
an injury from being worse and can even save athe area has open blisters or actually charring.
life. Knowing what to do in these emergencySoak the injury or apply ice, but do not try clean
situations is easy it just takes a little training sothe affected area or break any blisters. Always
you have the knowledge when an emergencyapply a sterile dressing. Never apply ointments or
happens. You will able to react quickly andsalves unless instructed by a physician.
correctly until medical help arrives. Nothing takesChemical Burns
the place of CPR or first aid training but here areChemical burns are extremely dangerous because
some examples of how you can assist in anthe burn will keep getting worse until the
injury situation.substance has been removed. You will need to
Basic Cutget the burn to running water as soon as possible.
If a cut of the skin occurs you need to first stopImmediately get to a sink or safety shower and
the bleeding with direct pressure. Secondly, youkeep the affected area until the water for at
clean the wound with soap and water. Lastly giveleast 15 minutes. Chemical burns always require a
it time to dry and put a sterile bandage on it. Ifdoctor.
the cut is long or deep or if it is still sore after aFirst aid is all about preparation. Every employee
few days, consult a doctor. Any cut by a rustyshould take a first aid class and learn burns,
object requires immediate medical attention by ablisters and cuts. If you are prepared, you can
doctor.think and act quickly in an emergency and maybe
Blisterseven save a life.